Former bodyguards of former Ako-Bicol party-list representative Zaldy Co have accused Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairperson George Garcia and Senators Francis “Chiz” Escudero and Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan of receiving suitcases filled with cash, as part of the government's investigation into corruption involving anomalous flood control projects.
During a press conference on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, Atty. Levi Baligod, legal counsel for the self-proclaimed former security aides and bagmen of Co, presented four new witnesses who allegedly also participated in delivering money-filled suitcases to several personalities.
One of them, Jeron Valderama, claimed he directly took part in delivering millions of pesos in cash inside a suitcase to former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Senator Erwin Tulfo, and Garcia.
The press conference also showed a photo of Pangilinan and his wife, Sharon Cuneta, together with Co's staff.
In a social media post, Cuneta called the allegations “lies” and explained that the photo was taken in Marawi when they visited local government officials to thank them for their support for her husband.
“Lies!!!!!!! You are too much!!!!! I vlogged about this visit my family and I made to Marawi to thank the governor, mayor, and other officials and their families for their support for Kiko. Really, would we receive a suitcase in Marawi?! Your audacity is beyond belief!!!” Cuneta said.
They also showed a photo of the bodyguards with former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, now Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) General Manager, Nicolas Torre III, whom they previously claimed spoke to them and convinced them not to delay or contradict the statement of Orly Guteza.
Guteza, during a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing in 2025 on flood control anomalies, claimed he served as Co's bodyguard. He was the first to reveal the alleged delivery of money, which they called “trash,” placed in suitcases to Romualdez.
